Sean a Dampte – Life, Money, Happiness

By starrymag | February 21, 2020

By: Matthew Pepe

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) That’s a very interesting question as the arguments of where each sound belongs is ever revolving, but I see my sound evolving as a mixture of Afrobeat and Pop with some elements of Dancehall acting as the merging adhesive ingredient. It is now simply termed Afro-Fusion at the world stage, but I sense some form of Afro-Calypso coming through.

 

Q) How has it evolved since you have come back from your break?

 

A) I would like to say that I have begun to infuse the Caribbean feel within my sound more frequently and more than ever finding my path musically.

 

Q) You are a very talented person who could have taken his career in many directions. How did you start out making music?

 

A) Oh! Thank you! That is quite appreciated. Music started for me quite early. I would bang on the tables using them as drums and write over it while also recording this with a cassette recorder. I am not sure how many people are familiar with that now. Mind you, I was about 8/9 years old. Then, the choir called when I was about 15/16.

 

Q) You come from a family with multiple siblings in the entertainment industry. How does having family members in the business effect how you approach your career? Do you have a healthy sibling rivalry?

 

A) Yea, that’s so true. Funny enough, it could have been a rivalry but not anymore. We support each other as much as we can. And our entertainment direction is also quite different. One of my sisters is into Gospel music while the other loves dancing and non-profitable entertainment endeavors. Well known and famous than we the other two. She is the Director/Mentor and patron of the Dreamcatchers Dance Academy.

 

Q) In the video for “Life Money Happiness,” it is mostly you against some stunning scenery. Was the choice to do a more straightforward video to let the message of your lyrics take front stage?

 

A) In “Life Money Happiness” what we tried to do with the video is not take away from the essence of the song. Chatting with my video director Doyin Ajakaye (Simplicity Studio), we felt having loads of material things will distract from the message of the song and so yes, for me it was about putting the message out there and not letting the audience get carried away with immaterial things.

 

Q) I felt I could hear religious influences in “LMH.” How has your religious upbringing effected your music?

 

A) Funny enough, growing up for me was about church. We would go church at every opportunity presented. I also managed to pick up some scholarly and pastoral certificates along the way. That notwithstanding, I have always and still hold the firm belief that our bodies are temples. That was why I call myself “The Nu Black Jesus.” I believe strongly that man is God, however God is not man!

 

Q) Talk about your creative and writing process.

 

A) It is different as different can be. Most times the beat hits me and often it is the lyrics. I could be in the shower and a melody comes up. I try to figure out what the sound should be and then it’s time to call up my production team – call up JayOcean, Joey Benks and Jomane. That’s where the hard work starts. Mostly, I let my environment dictate what I write/sing about. But lately I try to have the message dictate the lyrics.

 

Q) You took a long hiatus from making new music. What drove you to come back?

 

A) My coming back into the music/entertainment world in 2017 was not planned. Back in 2012, I honestly felt that that was it for me, done and dusted. Especially in the environment I found myself. I had just recently moved to the UK in 2011 and finding Afrobeat gigs, producers and the works for my kind of music style was difficult. All that has changed now as one can clearly see from the influence of the music.

So, January 2017 I had taken a trip down to Lagos, Nigeria and an old friend (Urchnike), brought DXL (now one of my trusted Producers) to my hotel room and a very talented artiste known as Squeeze Tarela. Two hours later, I see studio equipment arriving in my hotel room and 48 hours later we had some songs recorded. It was never planned

 

Q) You have collaborated with several artists such as YQ, Tay Dizm, and Rayce. Who would you most like to collaborate with in the future?

 

A) Yes, I appreciate that you have taken time to notice that. Considering my sound is different, I try to find who can compliment my music and also add value. I have since featured other artistes such as Mr Real, Oladips, etc. from the Nigerian Afrobeat scene. In future, I am looking at bigger collabos with Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Cardi B and who knows, Billie.

 

Q)If you had to choose a favorite track off your EP, which one would that be?

 

A) That isn’t something easy to do, in all honesty, considering all the songs have different vibes and different messages and together tells a story. Hence the title The Awoodah Begins Track 1 is “Kriminal,” which portrays a story around people who don’t believe in the struggle and Track 2 is “Whistle Blower” that amplifies the concept of sharing. And if I look at track, “No Be Joke,” it is a love ballad that speaks more about undying love. Track 4 is “Titled Assignment” and relates how a lover’s work is cut out. I mean, my ASSIGNMENT is to love you! “Mr. Lover Man” is Track 5 and wraps up the whole element of love. So, I know you see where I am coming from. At the end of it all, if I had to choose one for a million bucks, it would be “Kriminal.” The track is unique with its message I feel!

 

Q) Will you be touring again in the US? If so, when?

 

A) That’s in the pipeline and hopefully we (the team and myself) can start penning dates in concrete. But I can assure you it’s happening sooner than later.

 

Q) What is your favorite moment from one of your live performances?

 

A) When I perform and the crowd can relate with the music even when they hearing it for the first time gives me joy. And this happens often. I enjoy when the crowd is enjoying the vibe. The other time, while performing in Belfast UK, two ladies came up from the crowd to join me on stage like they knew the songs and all. They were able to show their personalities and the crowd loved them.

 

Q) If I took a peek at your music collection, who would I be surprised to see in it?

 

A) [laughs] That is really a hard one because my music collection is filled with diverse creators. What if I said Billie Eilish?

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of your music?

 

A) Awoodah! I thank you from the bottom of my heart and appreciate the love and support that is shown me in the little time I have been able to share with you my music, my style.

As an Awoodahite, we must never lose hope, never give up in Life as we pursue Money and Happiness to complete the Holy Trinity of a fulfilled LIFE.

More Life Money Happiness to us all!

LMH